MIAMI (United States) – VJ Edgecombe enjoyed an unforgettable night on April 21 in the NBA Playoffs and, according to the player himself, part of that moment was shaped while wearing the Bahamas jersey. The Philadelphia Sixers rookie led a 111-97 victory over the Boston Celtics to level their first-round series at 1-1 after posting 30 points and 10 rebounds, becoming the first rookie since Tim Duncan in 1998 to reach those numbers in a postseason game. However, for Edgecombe, the road to a performance like that began long ago on the outdoor courts of Bimini and later on the international stage with the Bahamas National Team. He remains mindful of his roots and how the environment where he grew up helped shape his overall game. “I'm originally from Bimini, Bahamas. A seven-mile island, half a mile wide. I grew up there just playing on the outside court,” he told ESPN.
“I met my friends, played against grown men and stuff. You know, it helped make me tough. Helped me play physical also.” That competitive spirit and toughness were on display against Boston, where the young guard responded with maturity, aggression and presence on both ends of the floor.
The leap he made with Bahamas
One of the most important moments in Edgecombe’s development came at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024, held in Valencia, Spain. At just 18 years old and still a college player at Baylor, the shooting guard averaged 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, emerging as one of the revelations of the tournament and helping the Bahamas finish just one win away from qualifying for the Olympic Games for the first time in the team’s history. For Edgecombe, that experience was decisive.
“We played in the Pre-Olympic Qualifiers. Scarce spot, we'll be first in Bahamas history. That was an unforgettable experience,” he said. Beyond the level of competition, the tournament also allowed him to share the locker room with established Bahamian basketball and NBA figures such as Eric Gordon, DeAndre Ayton, and Buddy Hield. “I learned a lot every day from EG, DA, Buddy, the coaches, other players that’re overseas, all the guys,” he said.
They all taught me something every night. That's something that’ll stick with me forever.”
That accelerated learning experience, surrounded by veteran talent and experience, is already paying off in his first professional season. Edgecombe’s performance against Boston not only placed him alongside a legend like Tim Duncan in the record books. It also confirmed the impact that FIBA competition can have on the development of young talent. From the courts of Bimini to the NBA Playoffs, with a stop in Valencia alongside the Bahamas National Team, Edgecombe’s rise continues to add chapters. And it is only just beginning.
FIBA